Final F-111 dump & burn over Brisbane 0900z 100904

[maverick22]

Why is it that an F111 can actually do a dump and burn? Obviously it is for dumping fuel, but why burn it? Was it designed to do this, or is it more a case of it just so happens that whilst dumping fuel with reheat on you get the dump and burn effect? Do other military jets do this? Pardon my ignorance but never really thought about it till this thread popped up.

[Steve888]

It's because of the position of the fuel dump valve between the exhausts of the engines at the back of the aircraft.

Apparently someone with massive cohones decided to try dumping fuel while using afterburner to ignite it, generating the large flame.

[Falling Leaf]

Apparently someone with massive cohones decided to try dumping fuel while using afterburner to ignite it, generating the large flame.

I believe it was a heavy USAF F-111 that had an engine failure shortly after take-off, and needed afterburner in the good engine to maintain airspeed during the recovery.

While dumping fuel to reduce weight for landing, the crew got a nasty fright when the Tower informed them they were on fire - and so the dump and burn capability of the F-111 was accidentally discovered.

Incidentally, it has only been the RAAF that has used the dump and burn for displays, the USAF considered the practice to be too hazardous.

[SgtBundy]

Incidentally, it has only been the RAAF that has used the dump and burn for displays, the USAF considered the practice to be too hazardous

Such a pity they are going, seeing as only the RAAF flew them right

[RenegadeMan]

I've read every comment on here. The for and against. All I can say is that none of it matters that much now. The F111s have been doing their dump and burns for many years and given us all the thrill of thrills! Saturday night was no different. I was there and have recorded my excitement at the experience on video to remind me of the sheer exhilaration of this spectacle that we'll not see again.

Thank you F111 crews and RAAF for these unforgettable sights. I for one feel like I've been witness to something very special.

[Trojan1981]

Beautiful to watch! Such a shame it's nearly gone

[notmyC150v2]

It was a great night and I strongly support Jabba's call on other threads to keep a couple of 111's for public displays like this one. The goodwill produced towards the Airforce as well as the recruitment possibilities are endless.

My boys loved it, especially the rumble in their chests as it flew overhead.

BUT

most took their tranni's and listened, don't they do that anymore?

Well that was before the Fitzgeral Inquiry cleared all of those shenanigens up... We don't have trannis in Queensland anymore.